Program Manager, PICS

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Summary:

Supports and maintains all aspects of the Deer Island Treatment Plant (DITP) process instrumentation and control system (PICS) Operational Technology (OT) networks with software and system backups along with hardware maintenance. Will be a primary resource for the technology that underlies the DITP PICS which is used to control and monitor wastewater treatment processes at the DITP. The PICS system is a distributed control system (DCS) normally found in the fluid process industries.

Posting Period: 11/13/2025 - 11/26/2025

Location: Winthrop (Deer Island), MA

Salary: $111,917.92 - $156,740.65 annually $2152.27 - 3014.24 weekly

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:00am - 3:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises preventive and corrective maintenance programs for all PICS control and support hardware. Contracts out services where cost-effective. Establishes and maintains an equipment problem tracking program to identify future potential reliability improvements.
• Supervises and executes all aspects of application software sources, including backup and retention of both control configuration and graphic software source files to support PICS engineering functions and to facilitate restoration of system functions in the event of equipment failure.
• Monitors PICS network and system security with hardware, software and tools that detect intrusion and anomalous behavior. Evaluates, recommends, procures and deploys hardware and software tools for use in detecting, preventing, and analyzing network security threats.
• Manages the development and implementation of information security plans and policies for the PICS network.
• Develops and maintains an incident response plan to prevent and/or counteract security breaches.
• Proactively manages OT network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls. Reviews security policies and procedures, analyzes system logs for threats and makes recommendations to mitigate emerging security risks.
• Plans, designs, specifies and promotes system (hardware and software) expansions, upgrades and replacements where necessary in support of both wastewater and thermal power plant operations.
• Reviews contracts for major changes or upgrades to the PICS system.
• Participates in all aspects of PICS hardware turnover to ensure system hardware integrity, including preventive maintenance, corrective action, upgrade and/or replacement, spare parts inventory and replacement.
• Ensures the proper collection of all historical plant data for the automatic transfer of such data to the Authority's management information systems.
• Maintains and enhances personal knowledge of computer technology, particularly in the areas of operating systems, digital communications, and cyber security.
• Ensures that assigned staff is trained to execute ongoing hardware maintenance, software maintenance, and backup procedures.
• Works with assigned staff to execute ongoing maintenance actions as required for ensuring maximum system availability.
• Recommends hardware and software upgrades in order to maintain the long-term viability of the PICS system.
• Updates existing and generates new system and network drawings as necessary.
• Develops and maintains an inventory of PICS system components and relevant documentation.
• Develops and implements a disaster recovery strategy for restoring and avoiding downtime in the event of a failure in the PICS system.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor Degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; and
• At least six (6) years of experience with industrial process control systems, preferably a computer-based process control system such as a distributed control system (DCS) as normally provided by vendors such as Honeywell, Emerson, or Bailey Controls (ABB); and
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory position; and
• At least two (2) years of experience with communications technologies such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, MODBUS, OPC, RS232, RS485 and proprietary vendor DCS communications techniques; and
• At least four (4) years of experience in network and secure systems management; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Drivers License or equivalent.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather and other emergencies.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Proficiency in computer hardware and software, including SCADA or Distributed Control Systems and communications technology, routers and networking, cyber security, PLC control programming, HMI programming, databases, data presentation and analysis tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience installing and configuring software on MS Windows-based systems.
• An understanding of modern network system design, architecture and security.
• An understanding of system administration methods and procedures supporting multiple platforms and applications.
• Experience with VSphere ESXi, Visio, and ACAD a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly organize and implement trouble-shooting plans for a computer based process control system.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, train, and assign duties to staff.

Tools and Equipment Used

Mini-computer consoles, tape and disk storage systems, various network and peripheral devices and office equipment as normally associated with the use of telephone, personal computers including word processing and other software, copy and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings and moderately quiet in an office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Senior Program Manager, PICS.

Exercises close supervision of Project Managers, Project Engineers, and contract engineers.

Other Position Information

PCR: 2938505

Division: Operations

Department: Deer Island, Process Control

Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 29

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.